Pony injured in Sandoval Co. pit bull attack

Dogs not quarantined; Owner agrees to pay for pony's treatment

A helpless pony mauled by three pit bulls and survives. As for those dogs they're still living just doors away from the pony's owner in Sandoval County.

Pony injured in Sandoval Co. pit bull attack

Dogs not quarantined; Owner agrees to pay for pony's treatment

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Updated: 9:09 AM MST Feb 10, 2013

SANDOVAL COUNTY, N.M. —

A helpless pony was mauled by three pit bulls and the horse's owners say the dogs are still loose.

The incident happened in Sandoval County.

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Nanna Salaz said her nephew's pony was attacked near its pen Saturday morning.

She said the pony suffered bite marks all over its snout, an ear was sliced in two and its right eyelid had to be stitched together.

"Her mouth was just hanging down and there was blood dripping, her right eye had a chunk hanging over," Salaz said. "She was leaning towards whoever got close to her, she wanted to be comforted, she wanted to be touched."

Salaz said the dogs that attacked Belle the pony belong to some neighbors that live just yards away.

The owner, Irving Enriquez, said one of his dogs had been vaccinated for rabies but the other two have not.

Belle is being treated at the New Mexico Equestrian Facility, where she was vaccinated for rabies. The cost of her treatment has already risen to $1,500.

Veterinarians said Belle is on antibiotics and anti-inflammatories so the swelling to her facial wounds will go down. The vets said Belle might be able to be released by Sunday afternoon.

However, Belle's owners said they aren't sure if their pen is a safe place for the pony anymore.

Even after a report was filed with the Sandoval County Animal Control, the dogs were not quarantined.

The pit bulls are still loose on the property.

"Those dogs know she's here, and if they get out once, they'll get out again," Salaz said.

An official with Sandoval County said the reason the dogs weren't taken from their owner is that the county does not have a facility to sequester a dog.

The owner was given a court citation and he has reportedly promised to pay for all of Belle's medical expenses.